The Raya Rundown

And why this members only dating app has the potential to be good, but not in Denver. 

Of all the dating apps, you would think that one in which you pay for, with a target audience of influencers, celebrities, athletes and those who love nothing more than to be part of a “members only” club, would be the one to work. Maybe for some, it does, so don’t let me talk you out of trying Raya and maybe you can even prove us wrong with a success story. In the meantime, here’s a Raya take. 

The Process 

Raya is a members only, referral-based dating app. Once you find a current member to refer you, the next step is to download the app and submit an application which includes sharing your social media profiles. 

It takes about a week to hear from Raya after submitting an application. Apparently, an “anonymous panel” reviews your profile. Once approved, you receive an email prompting you to fill in a code that Raya shares via DM on Instagram. 

Raya is subscription-based. There’s a $12.99/month option that is actually a one-time annual fee of $155.99. There’s also a six month option of a one-time payment of $113.99, or $18.99/month. 

The Profile 

Raya profiles allow for unlimited photos, but the average that members opt to share seems to be 5-10 photos. The profile includes name, age, occupation, the city you live in and a direct link to your Instagram account. You can build a playlist of several songs that describe you including a “Profile song,” along with chosen interests based on categories provided by Raya. 

There is no option to list a height and when you are traveling, you can update your travel plans and your profile will list you as “Visiting” the destination you provided. 

Raya profiles can be set to “Here for friends” or for dating. 

Meeting Your Match

Raya provides a feed of members and it’s unclear  how that algorithm works. Sometimes, it’s members in Denver but it’s mostly members from all over. You have the option to message them directly with a limited number of opportunities unless you upgrade to Raya+. Or, you can give members a heart which, to be honest, not really sure what the difference between the heart icon and the check mark icon is. One indicates that you loved their profile and the other that you liked it. Can we get a Raya handbook around here?! 

Once you have sifted through the maximum number of members on your feed (it seems like that number changes each time), the screen displays a message saying, “We’re committed to fostering an intimate community.” Followed by a line in smaller font encouraging payment on top of the monthly fee to “Skip the wait.” Another opportunity to give the app more money and upgrade to Raya+. 

In the meantime, you can use the search function to search for members near you or by any category you choose. When searching, use keywords to narrow down the five members that Raya will give you. You can search based on location, gender, occupation, age, etc. For example, “Men in their 20s in Denver,” will give you five men where you can like their profile. Once you’ve liked a profile, it will remind you every time you see that member. If they like you back, you’re connected and can start messaging each other. Otherwise, you are reminded whenever you see their profile that you liked them and they didn’t like you back. Ouch! 

Is Raya Ridiculous?

From the inability to screenshot or share your screen without being flagged to the Raya team to the steep monthly fee and constant pressure to upgrade to an even pricier subscription, Raya feels a bit ridiculous. Especially in Denver, where the pickings are already slim, the likelihood of securing a date or your match on Raya seems a lot smaller compared to other dating apps. 

In bigger cities where the app is more popular, Raya would be a beneficial way to find like-minded individuals who could be a match based on economic status, profession, interests and more. But in Denver, Raya merely dangles the hottest singles worldwide in your face with little to no chance of finding a match or even someone to go on a date with. 

Noteworthy celebs spotted on the app include Keegan Allen from Pretty Little Liars,  Austin Mahone, Drew Starkey, Kehlani, Jay Alvarrez and more. A city like Denver isn’t crawling with celebrities like the New York City’s and LA’s of the world, so the purpose is lost here in the Mile High City. The dating scene is already small, so there’s not much need to make it smaller and the pretentious vibe that often comes with influencers and celebrities doesn’t exist here. 

Is it worth $24.99/month? Maybe not, but the opportunity to swipe through sexy single men may be priceless.